Method and apparatus for weaving knotted fabrics



Jan. 15, 1935. w R|E ET AL 1,987,973

METHOD AND-AFPARATUS FOR WEAVING KNOTTED FABRICS Original Filed April 29, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l Jan. 15, 1935. w c r AL 1,987,973

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WEAVING KNOTTED FABRICS Original Filed April 29, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 15, 1935 UNITED STATES METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WEAVING KNOTTED FABRICS Walter A. Rice, Yonkers, and Frank G. Shinn, Bronxville, N. Y.

Application April 29, 1931, SerialNo. 533,847 Renewed June 7, 1934 23 Claims.

Our invention relates to a method of weaving knotted fabrics.

One purpose is to apply modern weaving equipment, such for example as the Axminster type of loom, as far as possible in Persian knot weaving.

A further purpose is to form a tufted knot about a pair of warp threads as close to the fell as possible, intermediately holding the tuft yarn beneath the warp threads.

A further purpose is to inject tufts by means of tubes of the general character used in Axminster weaving and to form these tufts about a pair of warp threads by a shift of tuft yarnbeneath the warp threads with intermediate holding of the tuft yarn in such a manner as to duplicate Persian knots and to inject a filling or weft thread by a shuttle in order to hold the knots in place upon the warps.

A further purpose is to clamp the otherwisefree ends of the tufts substantially at the fell transferring the tuft end to a carrier to tie the knot in close proximity to the retained end, producing a knot so close to the fell as to retain a uniform tuft length when beaten up.

A further purpose is to use a yarn tube or other yarn carrier to pass the tube through crossed warp threads, clamping the yarn end there and subsequently transferring it to another carrier, using one of the carriers to advance the point of crossing of the warp threads close to the fell before the yarn is drawn oii, facilitating the weaving of a low pile.

In the weaving of knotted fabrics a further purpose is to shift the free ends each of tufts of pile yarn from a position above the warp at a distance from the fell down through and between crossed warp threads at the rear of the crossing points, forwardly toward the fell and there hold them while drawing out the yarn to form the knots, subsequently using guides or carriers by which the yarn has been inserted to advance the positions of the crossing close-to the fell and while these positions are so advanced to bring the yarn up substantially to the fell for the introduction of a weft or binder thread prior to cutting the tuft yarn.

In the weaving of knotted fabrics a further purpose is to produce improved pile fabric surfaces by alternate use of so-called right and lefthand knots.

In the weaving of knotted fabrics a further purpose in connection with our invention is to shift the pairing of the warp threads for knot purposes irregularly or alternately in order to tie the individual tuft yarns to different warp thread pairings.

In the weaving of knotted fabrics a further purpose is to cross the warp threads, to swing yarn carriers down between the warp threads rearwardly of their crossing points, to comb the yarn from the tube carriers either by moving a comb or by moving the yarn carriers through a comb, to clamp the free ends of the yarn which have been combed, to engage the yarn between the clamp or clamps and the tube carriers, as by grippers to pull the yarn up through in front of the crossings, to release the clamp or clamps, to swing the yarn carrier free of the warp threads and to positions close over the fell, to put in a shot of weft and to beat that up to the fell, to release the grippers and to sever the attached ends of the yarn.

Further purposes will appear in the specification and in the claims.

Our invention relates primarily to the method or process involved and is intended to be followed by an application directed to mechanism by which this method or process can be carried out.

In the drawings we have preferred to illustrate one only of the several forms by which our invention may be carried out, selecting a form not only because of its simplicity, effectiveness and accurate operation but because it well illustrates the principles involved.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of our invention representing the beginning of a cycle.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the elements shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, certain of the elements being omitted. I

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the elements shown in Figure 3 and occupying the same relative positions.

Figure 5 is a plan view similar to Figure 1, showing the several parts in the positions occupying the second step of the cycle.

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the parts as shown in Figure 5.

. Figure 7 is an enlarged section taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 6, certain of the elements being omitted.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the elements shown in Figure '7 and occupying the same relative positions.

occupied in the third step of Figure 14 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is an enlarged section taken on the line 15-15 of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the parts shown in Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a plan view showing the several parts in the positions occupied in the next step of the cycle.

Figure 18 is a side elevation of the parts as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a section on the line 19'l9 of Figure 18, certain of the parts being omitted.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the elements shown in Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a sideelevation showing the parts in the positions occupied in the next step ofrthe cycle.

Figure 22 is an enlarged section on the line 22-22 of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a perspective View of the parts shown in Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a side elevation of the several parts in the positions occupied in the next step of the cycle.

Figure 25 is a side elevation of the parts in the position occupied in the next step of the cycle.

Figure 26 is a sectional view showing the righthand Persian knot formed about two adjacent warp threads.

Figure 27 is a left-hand Persian knot formed about two adjacent warp threads.

Figure 28 is a right-hand Persian knot formed about alternate warp threads to those shown in Figure 26.

Figures 29 and 30 are enlarged perspective views of a. gripping device.

Figure 31 is a perspective view illustrating a reversal of the movements of parts to that shown in Figures 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 23.

Fi ure 32 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 31, showing the several elements in a different relative position.

In the drawings similar numerals indicate. like parts.

Our invention is directed to the machine production of knotted fabrics whether rug, carpet or other pile fabrics, using the Persian knot in its formation. The product is intended to correspond substantially with the well known handformed Persian rug and tapestry products, and our process and method are therefore utilized by the movement of parts or elements which may be moved by hand to facilitate tying these knots, but which, for commercial operation, must be operated by machinery.

The fragmentary illustrations shown are capable of being hand-operated, but the advantage to be secured lies largely in making these fragmentary showings parts only of a large machine operation which would be made up of a large number of like'units in coincident operation.

The figures are all diagrammatic and show for the most part elements which in other relations are old and well known.

The various operations are capable of being performed in an Axminster loom with comparatively slight modification, or in another loom with corresponding modification, introducing elements present in an Axminster loom.

In carrying out our invention we employ warp threads. 40 and 41 which pass from a fell 42 back through the loom to heddles 43, and thence over the usual tensioning devices to a source of warp supply not shown. The usual shuttle 44 is carried by ashuttle frame 45 and is adapted to be shot back and forth across the lay in a manner common and well known in this art, in order to place one or more weft threads or binders.

The yarn intended for the formation of the yarn tufts, is carried upon spools which are rotatable Within supports, and have a series of carriers, here tubes 46 projecting from the bottom of the support, through which tubes the yarn is threaded in order to present a free end to each pair of warp threads 40 and 41 within the loom.

We further provide a laterally moving bar 48 which carries a series of upwardly projecting pins upon its upper face, the pins being so spaced as to occupy a space between each pair of warp threads. These are used to cross the warps.

A plurality of pairs of gripping fingers 49 and 50 are carried by laterally movable bars 59 and 60, positioned slightly below and in advance of the fell 42. These gripping members are so posi tioned as to receive the lower ends each of the yarn carrying tubes 46 between them, and may be cam operated to bring pressure upon the respective fingers, i. e., toward one another and toward the two sides of the tube at the time the tube 46 is brought between them.

' Gripping devices 51, (Figures 29, 30) one for each pair of warp threads, are carried upon a suitable frame 52 which is moved in an angular path by any suitable motion such as a cam, to cause the grippers to enter the warps between two adjacent pairs, and in line with the tube 46 carrying the yarn intended for tufts. These gripping devices are provided each with a return portion or hook 53 at its free end, and the inturned end ofthe hook portion 53 is slightly flared out as at 54. The lower part of this flared end is turned slightly upward to form a cam face 55. At the front end of the gripping member, where the bend to the rear takes place, we place a V notch 56 In order to keep the warp threads properly aligned at the weaving point, we provide a notched plate or guide 57, each of the warp threads passing through a notch in this plate. The plate is carried upon suitable arms hinged upon the under side of the breast plate and are adapted to be moved down out of the path of the reed 45' during the beating up operation.

A suitable knife 58, Fig. 25, of any well known type, such as that used in the present form of Axminster loom, is carried above the fell, and is so arranged as to be moved into engagement with the yarn supply as fed from the tube 46.

In operation-a plurality of warp threads are diverted alternately for crossing purposes. The heddle connections permit the warps to be shifted in any predetermined order and arrangement to form sheds for the passing of the shuttle in the usual well known manner. The shuttle, of the usual type, is shot back and forth across the usual lay by picker sticks (not shown) located at the sides of the loom, for the purpose of placing a shot of binder or weft. If a needle be used there willbe two weft threads. The shuttle rests positioned in a box of usual construction at whichever side of the loom it happens to be, the box being formed integral with the lay and having a bottom which is a continuation of the bottom of the lay. This, again, is the usual form.

We have illustrated a yarn carrier which broadly may be of quite variant form, but which is illustrated by a yarn tube represented as one of av group of yarn tubes as used in an Axminster loom, of which many hundreds along with their yarn spools are mounted upon a chain, the color of the yarn windings upon the spools being such as to form a rug or carpet design, as is usual in Axminster weaving.

In the various illustrations shown we have passed the free end of a yarn tuft, i. e., that end which hangs loosely from the open end of the tube, through in the rear of the crossing point of the crossed warp threads, carrying the end of the yarn tuft forward toward the fell below the crossed warps. With the operation of the gripper 51 we draw the loose end of the yarn up in front of the crossed warp threads in advance of the tube and close to the fell and draw off sufficient yarn to supply a knot, bringing the att ched end of the yarn around also close to the fell for cutting. The yarn may be drawn off at any part of this operation, but the two ends of the yarn are brought substantially together at the fell to. draw the knot close and, finally, after the weft is beaten up, so that the attached end of the yarn can be cut.

The shed is formed by the heddles in the usual way and the warp threads are crossed by the pins or tines of the comb which move one set of warp thread comprising one each of the different pairs beyond the other warp threads of the respective pairs, then engage the other warp threads comprising the other set and move back to neutral position. While the warp threads are held crossed by this means-or in any other way-the tubes carrying the tuft yarn are dipped through the warp threads. In the illustration this takes place in the rear of the crossing point and this relation will be considered throughout since it permits ready tying and maintenance of the knots quite close to the fell. If the tubes were inserted in front of the crossing points there would still be advantage in our invention but it would not con-- veniently place the knots quite so close to the fell. It is our intention in our claims to cover both forms, notwithstanding that one is slightly inferior to the other, but it is not considered necessary to refer further in the description to the reverse construction evidently permissible.

The tubes carrying the yarn tufts are then moved toward the fell.

Tension upon the warp threads or upon selected warp threads can be varied or partially relieved to meet the requirements of the knot forming mechanism, by operation of mechanism well known in this art and which therefore need not be illustrated here.

The clamps 49 and 50 for the free ends of the tuft yarn are mounted upon movable supports, all

the right hand fingers of the clamp members being mounted upon one support 59 and all of the left hand fingers being mounted upon the other support 60. The fingers may be slightly flared at the ends where the tubes are brought in, or if desired may be entirely made of spring metal. The supporting members have a slight lateral movement and are timed soas to move to cause the right and left hand fingers to come together in order to close first upon the free ends of the tubes and then upon the free ends of the tufts of yarn extending from withinthe tubes.

The next step in the cycle is to draw the tubes upward from between the clamps or the clamps down over the tubes, (see Figures 1'7 and 18) permitting the ends of tuft yarn projecting from the free ends of the tubes to be clamped between the clamps 49 and 50 which had just previously held the tubes. The yam is gripped and held While the tubes continue their upward or withdrawal movement, resulting in predetermined lengths of tuft yarn being withdrawn from the tubes.

In this position a gripping device 51 enters the warp threads in front of their forward crossing (which crossing has been moved forward by the advance of the tube 46) between the crossing and the fell, moves downwardly in a diagonal path and grips the tuft yarn as shown in Figure 18. Itthen draws a loop of yarn up through the crossing to the position shown in Figure '21, while one end of the yarn is still held in the grippers and the opposite end still remains attached to the spool.

. The reversed end or hook portion of the gripper is so designed as to slide past the tuft yarn as the gripper is moved into the warp thread crossing, and to engage the yarn upon the withdrawal of the gripper. The flared portion of the gripper together with the slight upturned portion or cam face, insures the gripping of the yarn upon the backward stroke of the gripper. As the gripper is withdrawn the yarn is caught within the i slot in the forward end at the bend, and is tightly held therein during the entire withdrawal and the following pause of this member.

In order that the gripper disengage from the tuft yarn, it is again moved forward with a quick motion and returned to its outer position in a slightly different lateral position, so that the yarn is out of line with the hook portion 53 during this latter withdrawal motion.

The tube 46 is now leaving the path which it has occupied between the warp threads, and the crossing bar is dropped from its position between the crossed warp threads, permitting the warp threads to resume their normal or uncrossed positions and causing the tuft of yarn to realign about them as a knot in the formation shown in Figures 22, 23 and 26. This forms a Persian knot.

With the uncrossing of the warp threads the shuttle is shot across the lay, and the shot of weft is then beaten up against the knot, as seen in Figure 24.

The tuft yarn is now held in this position while the knife 58 is moved forward to cut the yarnv coming from the tube of the yarn carrier 46. As the yarn is out, releasing one end, the grippers or clamps 49 and 50 are opened and the other end of the yarn is released. Subsequent shots of weft can now be introduced, prior to the beginning ofa succeeding cycle of operation to form the next row of tufts or knots.

The warp threads are preferably separated at the fell by a-comb 57 so as to ensure keeping the spaces 57' between the warp thread pairs open between the crossing points of the warp threads and the fell.

It will be noted that in Figure 26 a right hand knot is shown, and in Figure 2'7 a left hand knot. This reversal; of knot tying is accomplished by the crossing of the warp threads, when the warp threads are crossed as shown in the illustrations, the uncrossing results in a right hand knot formation, butif the warp thread 41 was carried under the warp'40 to form the cross, the uncrossing would result in the formation of a left hand knot.

In the illustration shown in Figure 28 we have shown a knot formation around pairs of warp threads differently paired from those of Figures 26 and 27. This may be accomplished by the shifting of the tube frame 46 so that the tube will feed its tufts to either the right or left of the space fed to in the proceeding cycle, and to continue to alternate the position of feeding throughout the weave. This alternate selection of warp threads will result in a closer pile in the finished product.

In Figures 31 and 32 it is evident that the operation of the invention shown here may be reversed in that the tubes 46"may not only be inserted through the warp threads close to the fell as seen in Figure 29, but may be inserted before the warp threads are crossed if desired.

The clamping fingers 49 and 50 engage the free end of the tuft yarn and hold it while the grippers 51' engage it to withdraw it away from the fell and through between the crossed warp threads at a point in the rear of their crossing point. The grippers are passed through the warp threads after the warp threads are crossed. Both the tubes and the grippers are withdrawn from the crossed warp threads stretching the tuft yarn through between them and forming the Persian knot as the warp threads straighten. The grippers and tubes both preferably move to a position substantially at the fell in order to advance the knot as far toward the fell as possible and hold the yarn in that position while a weft shot is being formed and beaten up.

With the reversal of direction of movement of the parts in Figures 31 and 32 there is of course opportunity for use of the gripper in its inward as well as in its outward stroke to advance the crossing point of the warp threads toward the fell.

It will be evident that the holding means for the free end of the yarn performs a useful function in straightening out the end of the yarn and holding it for ultimate release after it has kept the yarn suificiently taut for the gripper to engage it. To make sure of this wiping action we pass the sides of the clamp used down over the end of the yarn carrier (tube) but without need of and in fact very desirably free from frictional engagement with the tube.

It will be evident that a different character of gripper could cooperate with the clamping means but that the one shown is very desirable since it engages by direction of movement and then disengages by different direction of movement avoiding the necessity for complicated and wide grippers.

In view of our invention and disclosure variations and modifications to meet individual whim or particular need will doubtless become evident to others skilled in the art, to obtain part or all of the benefits of our invention without copying the structure shown, and we, therefore, claim an such in so far as they fall within the reasonable spirit and scope of our invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:--

1. The method of forming Persian knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics, which consists in crossing the warp threads, in inserting a free end of a tuft yarn between the crossed warp threads on one side of the crossing point, in holding the free end of the tuft beneath the warp threads while engaging it near the end and pulling it longitudinally, in releasing the free end and drawing it upwardly between the crossed warp threads at the side of the crossing point opposite to that where it was inserted and in uncrossing the warp threads.

2. The method of forming Persian knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics, which consists in crossing the warp threads, in inserting a free end of a tuft yarn between the crossed warp threads on one side of the crossing point, in holding the free end of the tuft beneath the warp threads while engaging it near the end and pulling it longitudinally, in releasing the free end by the lateral pull and drawing it upwardly between the crossed warp threads at the side of the crossing point opposite to that where it was inserted and'in uncrossing the warp threads.

3. The method of forming Persian knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics by the use of two movable tuft yarn carriers and a relatively fixed holding device, which consists in crossing the warp threads in pairs, in passing the tuft yarn down between the crossed warp threads by one of the movable carriers at one side of the crossing, delivering it to the holding device, holding the tuft yarn by the holding device, engaging the tuft yarn by the second movable carrier while it is still held and pulling the tuft yarn by the second movable carrier up through the 0pposite side of the crossing to that at which it had gone down.

4. The method of forming Persian knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics by the use of two movable tuft yarn carriers and a relatively fixed holding device, which consists in crossing the warp threads in pairs in passing the tuft yarn down between the crossed warp threads by one of the movable carriers at one side of the crossing, delivering it to the holding device, holding the tuft yarn by the holding device, engaging the tuft yarn by the second movable carrier while it is still held and pulling the tuft yarn by the second movable carrier up through the opposite side of the crossing to that at which it had gone down, the first yarn carrier being used to advance the crossing toward the fell.

5. In the formation of knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists in crossing the warp threads, introducing the yarn guide back of the crossing point and progressing its end beneath the warp threads toward the fell, in clamping the free end of the yarn, in progressively wiping the yarn guide and yarn relatively to wipe and grip the free end of the tuft yarn, in gripping the tuft yarn, in drawing the tuft yarn up through the crossed warp threads across the crossing point from the point of introduction of the yarn guide and freeing it from its clamping engagement, in withdrawing the yarn guide and advancing it toward the fell and in inserting and beating up a shot of weft.

6. The method of forming Persian knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics, which consists incrossing the warp threads, in inserting a free end of tuft yarn between the crossed warps on one side of the crossing point, in holding the free end of the tuft beneath the warps while engaging it near the end, in releasing the free end and drawing off a length of the tuft yarn upwardly between the crossed warp threads at the opposite side of the crossing point, in uncrossing the warp threads and in holding the tuft yarn near the free end and the attached end of the yarn while a weft is inserted and is beaten up.

7. The method of forming Persion knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics, which consists in crossing the warp threads, in inserting a free end of tuft yarn between the crossed warp threads on one side of the crossing point while matters at the same time advancing the crossing point, in holding the otherwise free end of of the tuft yarn upwardly between the crossed warp threads at the opposite side of the crossing point and concurrently loosening thehold uponthe otherwise free end, in uncrossing the warp threads, in drawing upon the attached end of the tuft yarn and in holding theyarn near the free end and the attached end of the yarn while a weft is inserted and is beaten up.

8. The method of forming Persian knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics, which consists in crossing the war-p threads, in inserting a free end of tuft yarn between the crossed warp threads on one side of the crossing-point while at the same time advancing the crossing point, in holding the free end of the tuft beneath the warp threads while engaging the tuft yarn near the free end, in releasing the free end from'its hold and drawing it upwardly between the crossed warp threads at the opposite side of the crossing point, in uncrossing the warp threads.

and in holding the loop and the attached end of the yarn while a weft is inserted and" is beaten up.

9. The method of forming Persian knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics, which con-- warp threads while engaging the tuft yarn near the free end, in releasing the free end and drawing it upwardly between the crossed warp threads at the opposite side of the crossing-point and in uncrossing the warpthreads andin holding the tuft yarn near the free end and the at=' tached end of the yarn while a weft is inserted and is beaten up.

10.In the formation of knots about -warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide.

and a gripper, the novelty which consists in crossing the warp threads, inserting the yarn guide through the crossed warp threads on one side of the crossing point, in inserting agripper between the crossed warp threads on the oppoin holding the site side of the crossing point, free end of the yarn while engaging the yarn-between the free end and the guide by the gripper, in withdrawing the guide and gripper, releasing the hold on the free end of the yarn during the withdrawal of the gripper and transferring the guide and gripper to positions near to the fell, in releasing the crossing of the warp threads and in inserting a weft and beating it up against the yarn inserted through the yarn guide.

11. In the formation of knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists in crossing the warp threads, inserting the yarn guide through the crossed warp threads on one side of the crossing point, in inserting a gripper between the crossed warp threads on the opposite side of the crossing point, in holding the free end of the yarn while engaging the yarn between the free end and the guide by the gripper, in ad vancing the crossing point toward the fell, in withdrawing the guide and gripper, and at the same time releasing the hold on the free end of the yarn during the withdrawal of the gripper and transferring the guide and gripper to positions near to the fell, in releasing the crossing the tuft besv neath the warp threads'in drawing off a length:

of. the warp threads and in inserting a weft and beating it up. against. the yarn inserted through the yarn, guide.

12.1In the formation of knots about warp threadsin knotted fabrics, using. a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consistsin cross-.-.

ing the warp threads, inserting the yarn guide through the crossed warp threads on one side of the crossingpoint, in inserting a gripper be-. tween thecrossedwarp threads. on the opposite side-of the crossing point, 'in-hoiding the free end of the yarn while engaging the yarn between the free end and the guide by the gripper, in advancing the crossing point toward the fell by use-of the yarn guide, in releasing the hold on the yarn, in withdrawing the guide and gripper and trans: f'erring them to positionsnear tothe fell, in ref. leasing the crossing of the warp threads and in inserting a weft and beating it up against the yarn inserted through the yarn guide.

' 13.. In the formation of knots about. warp threads in knotted. fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists. in-

crossing the warp. threads, inserting the yarn guide through the crossed warp threads on one.

side of the crossing point, in inserting a gripper between the crossed warp threads, on the oppo.--v site side of the. crossing point, in holding the free end of the yarn while. engaging the yarn, between the, free. end and the. guide by the grippen; in advancing the crossing point toward the fell use, of the gripper, in withdrawing the by the. guide'and gripper andtransferring themto positions near 110501'16 fell, in releasing the crossing of the warp threads and in inserting a weft and heating it up against the yarn inserted through the yarn guide. I

15.-In the formation of knots about warp threads, inknotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a. gripper, the novelty which consists in introducing; a tuft yarn between and beneath crossed warp threads progressively shifting the crossing; point toward thefell, in holding the free end f. he tuf yarn. beneath the warp threads and los to t e fell, in n aeinsthe tuft yarn. be:

tween theh l ins point and the attached end beheath t e Wa ns in pu i it uptlirough the warp threads close to. the. fell and acrossthe. crossing point from the point of introduction; in

adva cin e att hed p rtion of the. u t: yarnard t e f l andhold ewboth it and the fr e ndrnear o; the l while a hot of, weft. is introduced between shedded warp threads and is beaten up, and cutting the attached end of the tuft yarn.

15. In the formation of knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists in crossing the warp threads, introducing the yarn guide back of the crossing point and progressing its end beneath the warp threads toward the fell, in holding the end of the yarn, in progressively wiping the yarn guide, to wipe and grip the free end of the tuft yarn, in gripping the tuft yarn between the holding point and the tube guide, in advancing the crossing point, in drawing the yarn up through the crossed warp threads across the crossing point from the point of introduction of the yarn guide and freeing it from the hold, in withdrawing the guide and advancing it toward the fell and in inserting and beating up a shot of weft.

16. In the formation of knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists in inserting the free end of the tuft yarn with a yarn guide through crossed warp threads close to the fell, in wiping the end of the free end of the yarn and holding it, in gripping the yarn between the point of initial holding and the guide, in advancing the crossing point toward the fell and withdrawing the gripped yarn from the holding point through the crossed warp threads across the crossing point from the point of insertion.

17. In the formation of knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists in inserting the free end of the tuft yarn with a yarn guide through crossed warp threads close to the fell, in holding the free end of the yarn, in gripping the yarn between the holding point and the guide, in advancing the crossing point toward the fell, in releasing the hold, in withdrawing the yarn through the crossed warp threads across the crossing point from the point of insertion and in releasing the engagement with the yarn by movement in the opposite direction from that of withdrawal.

18. In the formation of knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists in inserting the free end of the tuft yarn with a yarn guide through crossed warp threads close to the fell, in wiping and gripping the free end of the yarn to hold the yarn, in gripping the yarn between the holding point and the guide, in advancing the crossing point toward the fell and withdrawing the gripped yarn from the holding point through the crossed warp threads, across the crossing point from the point of insertion and progressively shifting the crossing point toward the fell as the yarn is withdrawn.

19. In the formation of knots about warp threads in knotted fabrics using a yarn guide and a gripper, the novelty which consists in inserting the free end of the tuft yarn with a yarn guide through crossed warp threads close to the fell, wiping and holding the free end of the yarn, in gripping the yarn between the holding point and the guide, in advancing the crossing point toward the fell and withdrawing the gripped yarn from the holding point through the crossed warps across the crossing point from the point of insertion and progressively shifting the crossing point toward the fell as the yarn is withdrawn by the means used for withdrawing the yarn.

20. In a loom for weaving knotted fabric having warp threads, means for effecting a shed, a comb for crossing the warp threads, a yarn guide progressively insertable through the warp threads in the rear of their crossing point and shifting toward the fell, a clamp movable with respect to the yarn guide to engage with the free end of the yarn and a gripper movable into and from the space between the warp threads in advance of their crossing points to engage the yarn be tween the clamp and the yarn guide and to withdraw the yarn through the warp threads.

21. In a loom for weaving knotted fabric having warp threads, means for effecting a shed, a comb for crossing the warp threads, a yarn guide progressively insertable through the warp threads in the rear of their crossing point and shifting toward the fell, a clamp passing the end of the yarn guide and progressively movable with respect to the yarn guide to wipe into engagement with the free end of the yarn and a gripper movable into and from the space between the warp threads in advance of their crossing points to engage the yarn between the clamp and the yarn guide and to withdraw the yarn through the warp threads.

22. In a loom for weaving knotted fabric having warp threads, means for effecting a shed, a comb for crossing the warp threads, a yarn guide progressively insertable through the warp threads in the rear of their crossing point and shifting toward the fell to advance the crossing point, a clamp adapted to wipe into engagement with the free end of the yarn and a gripper movable into and from the space between the warp threads in advance of their crossing points to engage the yarn between the clamp and the yarn guide and to withdraw the yarn through the warp threads and means for inserting and for beating up a weft.

23. In a loom for weaving knotted fabric having warp threads, means for effecting a shed, a comb for crossing the warp threads, a yarn guide progressively movable through the warp threads in the rear of their crossing point and shifting toward the fell, a clamp engaging the free end of the yarn and a gripper insertable through and withdrawable from the crossed warp threads in advance of their crossing point and engaging the tuft yarn to withdraw it from beneath the warp threads.

WALTER A. RICE. FRANK G. SHINN. 

